Biography
Washington, DC. Native Christel Gibson began her film career as a teenager working as a Production Assistant. She wrote her very first screenplay A Trail of Tears at the age of 20 which received offers from Warner Bros and Disney. Disney also offered her a scholarship to their Writer's Program. She went on to write 3 self-published novels under the pen name Crystal Michaels. Her second Novel ranked #1 on Amazon in its genre for 8 weeks. Her radio show the Crystal Michaels show with co-host , comedienne and actress Queen Aisha ran from 2012-2014. She was a Red-Carpet correspondent for Mad Flava TV from 2012-2015. Christel went on to Direct Music Videos and became the CEO and founding member of Keletiv Films INC, where she concentrated on Writing and Directing her own short films, to include The Birthday Wish and Jay's Truth which brought awareness to Domestic Violence. Her other short films include Professional Habit, Jomo & Mimi, and A Trail Of Tears. After leaving Kelektiv Films INC, her passion for Writing and Directing was noticed by Producers who gave her the platform to Write and Direct BETHER's first Original Film; Her Only Choice. It's a heartfelt story about a woman faced with the decision of receiving treatment for Breast Cancer or forgoing it to ensure the safety of her unborn child. Her film was loved so much by the audience that it was then premiered on BET. Christel is also an Associate Producer on the upcoming BET film Angrily Ever After. She has volunteered with the charity My GirlFriend's House in Washington, DC where she assists young girls in the inner city with writing, acting and directing their own stage plays for the community. Christel is a mother who is dedicated to her children, one of whom is special needs. She believes that God gave every person a specific talent and its up to them to nourish it.
Christel gives credit to Dr. Maya Angelou who inspired her to believe that she could be a dedicated Mother and still fulfill her dreams as a writer. She wrote this poem in honor of Dr. Angelou on the day of her death.
My Ode to Maya By: Christel Gibson
More than the words she wrote, Dr. Maya Angelou gave me hope. She taught me to believe that which is for me, I would receive. Even though there were kids to tend, and clothes to mend. Rise up you phenomenal woman she said, don't you quiver or dare bend. Stand up straight, unlock the gate. You hold the key, let them all see. Your beauty unfold, you've broken the mold. Of the Mother, the Sister, the Woman, the Listener. The Daughter, the Lover unparalleled to any other. Do not hide your face, or your curvy shape. Your kinky hair, wear it with flair. Walk the walk and talk the talk. Jump higher than expected, grace was resurrected. Just for you and all you do. When the storm comes, you will face the conundrum. For the free bird leaps, and the caged bird weeps. You are no imprisoned Canary, you are extraordinary. Pick up your pen, write from within. Put the babies down for a spell, you have a story to tell. And dear child, when you tell it, you tell it well. When it comes down to the truth, I am the proof. Of a life changed by the eloquent Maya. And for that I aspire to reach higher. Rest in peace beloved one, It's my turn to run. Pass me the baton, and I will carry on. Spreading the good words of hope, on the air I will float. I will rise, I will sing, I will never forget a thing. I will always remember, Dr. Maya Angelou in all her beauty and splendor!
